Russia continues work on Iran's Bushehr nuclear reactor
Despite the complex situation surrounding Iran, Vladimir Putin said Russia remains committed to the Bushehr nuclear reactor project.
Despite the complex situation surrounding Iran, Russia remains committed to the Bushehr nuclear reactor project, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at the plenary session of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
"Despite the complexity surrounding Iran, we completed the Bushehr nuclear reactor there. We've also signed contracts to build two additional reactors," Putin said.
U.S. President Donald Trump promised to support Russia's demand to ensure the safety of Russian employees at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, with Putin stating that Russia operates within international norms in Iran and requests assurances for personnel safety.
"Our specialists are on the ground in Bushehr -- 250 based there full-time and others on temporary deployment. The total workforce can hit 600. And we're not pulling out," Putin said during a meeting with the heads of major international news agencies in St. Petersburg.
Putin also said that he is concerned about the situation around Iran's nuclear facilities.
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The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
'Change history', 'declaration of war': World reacts to US attack on Iran
The United States struck three nuclear sites in Iran on Sunday, joining Israel's bombing campaign after days of speculation over Washington's involvement in the conflict. 'Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace,' US President Donald Trump said after the strikes. Here is a roundup of the key reactions: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US attacks as 'outrageous' and said his country had a right to defend its sovereignty. 'The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,' he posted on social media, calling the attacks 'lawless and criminal' behaviour. Araghchi later said the United States and Israel crossed 'a very big red line' with the attacks, and said he would head to Moscow later Sunday for talks with President Vladimir Putin. Israel: 'Change history' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump, saying the attacks would 'help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace'. 'Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history,' Netanyahu said in a video message, adding that the attacks demonstrated 'America has been truly unsurpassed'. He also told Israelis that his promise to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities had been 'fulfilled'. The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. 'I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,' Kallas wrote on X, adding that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that EU foreign ministers would discuss the situation on Monday. Russia 'strongly condemned' the bombings, calling them 'irresponsible' and a 'gross violation of international law'. 'A dangerous escalation has begun, fraught with further undermining of regional and global security,' the Russian foreign ministry added. Ukraine's foreign ministry said the strikes were justified to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, praising them as a 'clear signal'. 'Ukraine is convinced that Iran's nuclear programme must be stopped so that it never again poses a threat to the countries of the Middle East or any other state,' it said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strikes a 'dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge'. 'There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace,' Guterres said in a statement. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation warned that the strikes could lead to 'heightened tensions and threaten regional security, peace, and stability'. It called for 'de-escalation and self-restraint, and for resorting to dialogue and returning to negotiations and peaceful means.' UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Iran to 'return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis'. 'Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,' Starmer said on X, adding that 'stability in the region is a priority'. French President Emmanuel Macron has called a meeting of the country's defence council for Sunday, with his office saying he had spoken with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Oman on Sunday. France is urging 'all parties to exercise restraint to avoid any escalation that could lead to an extension of the conflict', Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot posted on X. China's foreign ministry said it 'strongly condemns' the US strikes, warning that they 'escalate tensions in the Middle East'. 'China calls on all parties to the conflict, especially Israel, to cease fire as soon as possible,' the ministry said. Pope Leo XIV said after the strikes that 'humanity is crying out for peace' and called for an end to all wars. 'Each member of the international community has the moral responsibility to end the tragedy of war, before it becomes an irreparable chasm,' Leo said during his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican. Saudi Arabia expressed 'great concern' after the strikes on its neighbour, the 'sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran'. 'The Kingdom underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation,' the foreign ministry posted on X. Pakistan, the only nuclear-armed Muslim country and a longtime Washington ally, said the US attacks 'violate all norms of international law'. 'We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation of tensions in the region,' Pakistan's foreign ministry said, adding that Iran had the 'right to defend itself under the UN Charter'. The Palestinian militant group Hamas condemned the 'blatant US aggression against the territory and sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran'. 'This brutal aggression is a dangerous escalation,' Hamas said, calling the attack 'a flagrant violation of international law, and a direct threat to international peace and security'. Yemen's Houthi rebel government, which is backed by Iran, condemned the US attacks and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people. 'The Trump administration's reckless aggression… is a blatant declaration of war against the brotherly Iranian people. We declare our full support for the brotherly Iranian people,' it said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. © Agence France-Presse
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
South Africa takes bold step towards peace as Jews and Muslims global tensions rise
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently warned that the US's involvement in the war would aggravate a situation that was already 'millimetres away from a nuclear disaster.' Image: Alexei Danichev/Sputnik Amid escalating violence in Gaza, rising tensions in Iran, and a polarised world, South Africa has taken a bold stand in the global political arena by taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The country's government has filed a case against Israel, challenging its military actions and treatment of Palestinians. This move has sparked a broader conversation about the Muslim-Jewish divide that has torn through the Middle East and reverberated globally. As tensions rise between Jews and Muslims, a unique initiative has emerged in South Africa. A group led by Imran Makama of Friends of Israel (FOI) and Ibrahim Qasim of the International Democratic Society (IDS) are pushing for peace between Jewish and Muslim communities within the country, defying the prevailing animosity. Makama, Qasim, and their ally Joel Ibris, a Jewish resident of Houghton, are working to combat the growing divisions threatening both local and international relations. Despite the violence abroad, the trio remains hopeful that their example can bridge the gap between these historically divided communities. "We must not let the events of the Middle East and the influence of America divide us or our nation," said Makama. "We are here in South Africa, a land of peace and reconciliation, and we must exist together. The bombs and the rhetoric overseas should not dictate how we live with our Muslim neighbours here. We have to be the example." These remarks come at a time when Israel's military operations in Gaza have sparked widespread outcry, particularly following reports of civilian casualties. However, Makama emphasised that there is a crucial distinction between the actions of the Israeli government and the beliefs of Jewish people worldwide. "People need to understand that the idea that all Jews support Netanyahu and the bombing of Gaza is a misrepresentation," said Ibris, who has lived in South Africa for several years. "It's a false narrative. Many Jews, including myself, are deeply disturbed by the violence and want nothing more than peace. Like our Muslim brothers and sisters, we are impacted by the bloodshed and call for justice." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ South Africa's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been one of vocal support for Palestinian rights, with comparisons often drawn to the apartheid struggle faced by black South Africans. In line with this, South Africa's recent legal move to bring Israel before the ICJ challenges its military occupation of Palestinian territories and human rights violations. This move has garnered international attention and sparked discussions about how countries should address international conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently warned that the US's involvement in the war would aggravate a situation that was already 'millimetres away from a nuclear disaster.' The nuclear threat looms over the region, with Putin's comments highlighting the potential for catastrophe. The U.S.'s unwavering support for Israel, including military aid and strategic backing, has fueled tensions. Ibrahim Qasim, a vocal critic of American foreign policy, slammed the U.S.'s role in the conflict, calling it "an unrelenting force that has exacerbated the bloodshed." "The U.S. has continuously supported Israel, pouring fuel on a fire that already burns too hot," Qasim said. "Their actions have not only prolonged the suffering of Palestinians but also made peace in the region almost impossible. The influence of the US has been disastrous, and it continues to ignore the cries for justice from both Palestinians and peace-loving Jews. We cannot allow this foreign influence to dictate our future." Qasim further pointed out that Washington's blind support for Israel undermines the possibility of a peaceful solution. "The United States needs to stop acting as though it holds the moral high ground while fueling the destruction. Its double standards and hypocrisy are undeniable. Instead of building peace, they have become a pillar of division." In contrast to the destructive global rhetoric, South Africa's peace-building efforts aim to offer an alternative path through legal action and peaceful coexistence at home. Makama, Qasim, and Ibris are committed to rising above the destructive rhetoric, hoping that their efforts can set an example for the world. They believe that by working together, Jews and Muslims can demonstrate that reconciliation is possible, even in the face of global conflict. "We understand that our actions here are small in comparison to the global stage," said Qasim. "But if we can show the world that Jews and Muslims can coexist peacefully in the same country, that will be a powerful message to the rest of the world. We must focus on building bridges, not walls." Their efforts reflect South Africa's broader tradition of conflict resolution, rooted in Nelson Mandela's vision of post-apartheid reconciliation. In a country that has long championed human rights, the move to challenge Israel at the ICJ is a bold statement against injustice, balanced by a commitment to peace within its borders. In a world increasingly defined by division, South Africa's peaceful initiative offers hope. While the road to reconciliation may be long, the example set by Makama, Ibris, Qasim, and others shows that unity can still thrive, even amid global turmoil.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Russia continues work on Iran's Bushehr nuclear reactor
Despite the complex situation surrounding Iran, Vladimir Putin said Russia remains committed to the Bushehr nuclear reactor project. Despite the complex situation surrounding Iran, Russia remains committed to the Bushehr nuclear reactor project, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at the plenary session of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. "Despite the complexity surrounding Iran, we completed the Bushehr nuclear reactor there. We've also signed contracts to build two additional reactors," Putin said. U.S. President Donald Trump promised to support Russia's demand to ensure the safety of Russian employees at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, with Putin stating that Russia operates within international norms in Iran and requests assurances for personnel safety. "Our specialists are on the ground in Bushehr -- 250 based there full-time and others on temporary deployment. The total workforce can hit 600. And we're not pulling out," Putin said during a meeting with the heads of major international news agencies in St. Petersburg. Putin also said that he is concerned about the situation around Iran's nuclear facilities.
